Education in Europe

One of the most significant aspects of Rizal's life was his education in Europe.
He left the
Philippines in 1882 and lived in Europe for several years, studying in various universities and
immersing himself in European culture and society. Rizal's European education had a profound
impact on his intellectual and political development, and his experiences in Europe influenced
his later writings and activities.
Rizal first arrived in Spain in 1882 to pursue his studies in medicine. He enrolled in the
Universidad Central de Madrid, where he studied for two years before transferring to the
Universidad de Barcelona to finish his degree. While in Spain, Rizal was exposed to European
intellectual and social movements, including liberalism and nationalism, which would shape his
political beliefs and ideals. He also became fluent in several European languages, including
Spanish, French, and German, which allowed him to read and write extensively on various
topics.
In 1885, Rizal moved to Germany to continue his studies in medicine and other disciplines. He
enrolled in the University of Heidelberg, where he pursued advanced courses in ophthalmology
and completed his doctoral dissertation on the subject. Rizal also continued to broaden his
intellectual horizons by reading extensively on philosophy, literature, and history. He
befriended several prominent German scholars and thinkers, including Ferdinand Blumentritt,
who would later become a close confidant and supporter of Rizal's work.
Rizal's experiences in Europe also exposed him to the racism and discrimination faced by
colonized peoples. He witnessed firsthand the effects of colonialism and imperialism on the
lives of Filipinos and other colonized peoples, which deepened his commitment to the cause of
Philippine independence. He also became involved in the Propaganda Movement, a group of
Filipino exiles who sought to raise awareness of the plight of the Philippines and to promote
social and political reforms in the country.
Rizal's education in Europe culminated in his publication of two influential novels, Noli Me
Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed). These works were scathing
indictments of the injustices of colonialism and the corruption of the Philippine colonial
government. They became rallying points for the Philippine independence movement and
helped to spark a wave of nationalist sentiment among Filipinos.
In conclusion, Rizal's education in Europe was a formative period in his life and had a significant
impact on his intellectual, political, and literary development. His experiences in Spain and
Germany broadened his horizons and allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of European
society and culture. At the same time, he became acutely aware of the injustices faced by
colonized peoples and developed a strong commitment to the cause of Philippine
independence. His writings and activism continue to inspire Filipinos and others around the
world to fight for justice and freedom.
Major events that happened in his European Education
1. May 03, 1882 – Jose Rizal went to Spain and studied medicine, philosophy, and letters at the
Universidad Central de Madrid.
2. Rizal was involved in a chaotic student demonstration caused by the liberal speech of Dr.
Miguel Morayta proclaiming freedom for science and the teachers.
3. Rizal went to Paris because he wanted to cure his mother’s advancing blindness.
4. On February 03, 1886, Rizal arrived in Heidelberg, Germany to have expertise on
opthalmology.
5. Rizal spent three months in the nearby village, Wilhemsfeld, where he wrote the last few
chapters of Noli Me Tangere.
6. In April 1887, Rizal was invited to deliver an address in German before the"Ethnographic
Society" of Berlin on the orthography and structure of the Tagalog language .
7. He attended the dinner party held in honor of two award-winning Filipino painters. Juan Luna
and Felix Resurrection Hidalgo. In the occasion, he delivered a very daring liberal speech which
is known today as "Rizal's Brindis Speech".
8. Rizal wrote a letter in German and sent it with a bilingual (Spanish and Tagalog) book
Aritmiteca to Blumentritt who was interested in studying Jose's native language.
9. Rizal finished his first novel, the Noli me Tangere, and it came off press a month later on Feb.
21, 1887.
10. Maximo Viola, his friend, who lent him in order to finance for the printing of the Noli.
Through Paciano's remittances, Jose had paid Viola and decided to further explore some places
in Europe before returning to the Philippines.
11. With his final decision of going, Rizal boarded on July 03, 1887 with the steamer "Djemnah"
from a French port in Marseilles. then took the steamer "Haiphong" and reached Manila near
midnight of August 05, 1887.
12. He returned to Calamba on August 08 after meeting some friend.
Fascinating Facts:
1. Nicanor Reyes Street in Manila was named after Dr. Miguel Morayta.
2. Rizal have “fair” remarks due to his low grades from UST.
3. Rizal learned to use the ten newly invented opthalmoloscope invented by Hermann von
Helmholtz.
4. Rizal’s departure for Spain had gone down to history as a "secret departure"
5. Blumentritt was able to recognize Rizal through the pencil sketch he sent.
6. Jose was considered as "German doctor" or "Doctor Uliman"
Achievements:
1. Rizal at the age of 23 obtained his degree of Licentiate in Medicine on June 1884.
2. On his 24th natal day, he earned his degree of Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters at the
Madrid University.
3. At the age of 25, Rizal completed his eye specialization.
4. In June 1884, Rizal who failed to eat breakfast still went to school and even won a gold medal
in a contest.
5. He cured and restored his mother's eyesight.
Definition of Terms:
1. Sobresaliente – excellent
2. Doctor Uliman – Aleman which means German

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One of the most significant aspects of Rizal's life was his education in Europe.

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